German Dog Breeds: 19 Amazing Dog Breeds Originated in Germany

Germany is the home to some of the most popular, playful and friendly dog breeds in the world. So if you are on the lookout for a new best friend or a dog to welcome into the family, there is no better place to start your search than Germany. Fortunately for you, we have put together a comprehensive list of German dog breeds, their history, and a list of our favorites! Enjoy.

History of Dogs in Germany

Not many people know it, but Germany has one of the richest histories when it comes to dogs. In fact, in 2021, scientists found evidence in caves that could point towards some of the earliest examples of domesticated wolves. These wolves would eventually become the household pets we know and love today. The cave is called Gnirshohle and is found within the Hegau Jura region, famous for its old artifacts and fossils dating back over 17,000 years. The domesticated wolf bones found here are older and have more genetic variety than any other discovered bones. It is very possible that Germany could be the home of the first domesticated canines.

Dog Culture in Germany

There is a deep culture of dogs in modern-day Germany – these guys love their four-legged friends! Over 11 million dogs are living as pets in Germany, and they certainly know how to treat them.

There are actually German laws enforcing that owners must walk their dogs or let them outside twice per day for at least one hour. It is also illegal to chain dogs up or keep them in a crate for an extended period. Some areas of Germany make you take a test to prove you are ready to take care of a dog.

These strict laws likely come because dogs can be found everywhere in Germany, including public transport, hotels, restaurants, etc. As such, they have to be well trained and well behaved; otherwise, the owner could be asked to leave.

At the moment, Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers are not allowed to be kept in Germany, while some areas also do not allow Rottweilers, despite being a German breed.

1. Affenpinscher

These little dogs are around 9-12 inches tall, weigh 7-10 pounds, live between 12 and 15 years, and are known for being very playful, proud, and goofy. They date back to the 1600s, when they were first popularised as rat hunters. They still have those same brave hunter instincts to this day, but have become popular playful pets.

2. Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

This scent hound has one of the best sniffers in the dog kingdom, so make sure you hide those treats well! In the 1800s, hunters needed a nimble dog and able to track in the mountains, and the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound was born. These dogs are around 17-21 inches tall, weigh 37-66 pounds, live between 12 and 15 years, and are known for being reserved but loyal.

3. Doberman Pinscher

This breed is around 24-28 inches tall, weighs 60-100 pounds, lives between 10 and 12 years, and is known for being very alert and intelligent. They date back to the 19th century in Germany and have even served in wars. They are both loyal pets and are used as service dogs for the disabled in modern times.

READ MORE: The Best Dog Food for Dobermans (Vet Approved Review)

4. German Shepherd

Probably the most famous German dog in the world. They are around 22-26 inches tall, weigh 50-90 pounds, live between 7 and 10 years, and are known for being very confident and loyal. They first arrived in the US back in 1907 and, not only are they great family dogs, but they have also been used as therapy dogs, bomb sniffer dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more!

READ MORE: The 10 Best Toys for German Shepherds

5. Great Dane

Another household name in the dog world, the Great Dane are widely known as gentle giants. These huge dogs are around 28-32 inches tall, weigh 110-175 pounds, live between 7 and 10 years, and are known for being very patient and friendly. 500 years ago, they were used to hunt boars thanks to their size, but they are now modern-day easy-going pets.

6. German Pinscher

These dogs are around 17-20 inches tall, weigh 25-45 pounds, live between 12 and 14 years, and are known for being very playful and clever. They were being bred in Germany during the 1800s but didn’t arrive in the US until 1970. They are very similar to Schnauzers, just with different coats.

7. Boxer

These became popular back in 895 during a Boxer dog show in Munich, but their ancestors date all the way back to the Middle Ages. They are known for jumping around everywhere unless you train it out of them but remain excitable and playful either way. Boxers are approximately 21-25 inches tall, weigh 50-80 pounds, live between 10 and 12 years, and are known for being very active and loving.

8. Pomeranian

One of the most adored toy dogs globally comes from Germany, the Pomeranian. These little dogs are around 6-7 inches tall, weigh 3-7 pounds, live between 12 and 16 years, and are known for being very playful and lively. Their ancestors came from Iceland but eventually ended up in Pomerania and have been bred as loyal pets ever since – even becoming popular among royalty.

READ MORE: Pomeranian and Chihuahua Mix Personality, Care and Adoption

9. Poodle

When you talk about stylish dogs, it’s impossible not to mention the Poodle. These fashion queens are around 15 inches tall, weigh 40-70 pounds, live between 10 and 18 years, and are known for being very active and intelligent. Many assume they are from France, but that is false.

READ MORE: Clippers for Poodles Review

10. Rottweiler

Known as one of the fiercest dogs in the world, Rottweilers make perfect guards and never shy away from a fight. They are extremely loyal and sweet, but you have to train and socialize them as early as possible. Rottweilers are around 22-27 inches tall, weigh 80-135 pounds, live between 9 and 10 years, and are known for being very confident and loving.

READ MORE: Rottweiler Pitbull Mix: Pitweiler Personality, Health and Care

11. Schnauzer

They may be hard to spell, but they are a pleasure to have them around. They come in three different sizes, miniature, standard, and giant. Miniature schnauzers are 13 inches tall and weigh 15.5 pounds. Standards are 18.5 inches and 40 pounds. Giants are 25.5 inches tall and weigh 70 pounds. They live between 12 and 16 years and are known to be friendly and obedient, as well as great with kids.

12. Dachshund

One of the most famous dog breeds in the world. They are also often called sausage dogs or wiener dogs due to their long and thin bodies. Believe it or not, they were initially bred to hunt badges, which is why they are thin enough to crawl into badger dens. These little dogs are around 8-9 inches tall, weigh 16-32 pounds, live between 12 and 16 years, and are known for being very affectionate and curious.

13. Pudelpointer

These calm dogs are around 22-26 inches tall, weigh 45-70 pounds, live between 12 and 14 years, and are known for being very sweet and obedient. The same comes from a cross between Poodle and Pointer. However, they are not the best pets when it comes to living with children.

14. Kromfohrlander

First bred in Germany back in the 1940s, US troops fell in love with them during World War II. They ended up as soldier companion animals and remain just as loyal and sweet to this day. These dogs are around 15-18 inches tall, weigh 20-35 pounds, live between 13 and 15 years, and are known for being very clever and playful.

15. Weimaraner

These dogs are around 23-27 inches tall, weigh 55-90 pounds, live between 10 and 13 years, and are known for being very friendly and obedient. They have a famous silver coat and an even more admirable friendly attitude. If you want a clever dog that can be easily trained and is great with both pets and children, look no further.

16. German Spaniel

These dogs are around 18-21 inches tall, weigh 40-55 pounds, live between 12 and 14 years, and are known for being very loving and alert. They are actually very rare to find in the United States, and you are likely to only see them in hunting groups even in Germany.

17. German Longhaired Pointer

These dogs are famous for their hunting skills, particularly waterfowl such as ducks and geese. Like every great hunter, they remain calm and focused no matter what and make wonderful family pets. Pointers are particularly great with kids. These dogs are around 22-28 inches tall, weigh 55-80 pounds, live between 12 and 14 years, and are known for being friends and sweet.

18. Biewer Terrier

These little dogs are around 7-11 inches tall, weigh 4-8 pounds, live around 16 years, and are known for being very loving and smart. In fact, this terrier is one of the longest living dog breeds on Earth, so your new best friend will be by your side for plenty of years. They date back to the 1980s when a German couple with the surname Briewers started breeding terriers. 

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19. Leonberger

These dogs are around 25-32 inches tall, weigh 90-170 pounds, live between 7 and 10 years, and are known for being very clever but goofy. They date back to the 19^th century when a politician called Heinrich Essig set out to create an intelligent and loving companion. In the end, he bred Newfoundlands and St Bernards to create the Leonberger.

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